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By: Scott Bradley
Known locally as "the Danforth" or "Greektown," these blocks of Danforth Avenue from Broadview to Pape boast a diverse set of Greek restaurants offering bold, authentic flavours. If you're here in early August, be sure to inquire about Taste of the Danforth—a weekend-long street festival that celebrates the area's affinity for everything food related. Even though souvlaki rules the strip, there are many other desirable options too.
Allen's
143 Danforth Avenue
(416) 463-3086
Cuisine Type: Greek
Hours: Monday - Friday: 11:30am - 2:00am
Saturday and Sunday: 11:00am - 2:00am
http://www.allens.to
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Start or finish your journey here, a favourite neighbourhood pub famed for a massive selection of single malts, local and international brews. Talk to friendly locals at the bar or relax and read the paper in a corner booth; in the summer, lounge on what is declared by many to be the best patio in town. If the refreshing drinks lead you to forego your Danforth venture for another day, enjoy some pub food that soars above the rest.
Athens Pastries
509 Danforth Avenue
(416) 463-5144
Cuisine Type: Bakery and Pastry Shop
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The only place in Toronto that really does justice to spanikopita—spinach and cheese wrapped in light, flaky phyllo pastry, a perfect afternoon snack. At breakfast, enjoy an espresso or super strong Greek coffee. Desserts are excellent, like bougatsa, a sweet vanilla custard pie or honey soaked, cinnamon sprinkled, donut-like loukoumades. Good neighbourhood feel and very inexpensive.
Messini Authentic Gyros
445 Danforth Avenue
(416) 778-4861
Cuisine Type: Greek
Hours: Monday - Thursday: 11:00am - 1:00am
Friday - Saturday: 11:00am - 4:00am
Sunday: 11:00am - 12:00am
http://www.messini.ca
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Although Messini's offers a variety of excellent appetizers, salads and mains, gyros are your best bet here—authentic Greek style, with fries. Open late (until 5am on Friday and Saturdays), it's a well-known spot with late-comers that fill the area’s popular clubs and bars.
Mezes
456 Danforth Avenue
(416) 778-5150
Cuisine Type: Greek
Hours: Monday - Thursday: 11:00am - 10:00pm
Friday - Saturday: 11:00am - 12:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am - 11:00pm
http://www.mezes.ca
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Mezes is Greek for tapas, a major focus of the menu here. Good bets are saganaki opa (flaming cheese doused with fresh lemon juice), kria poikilia (a selection of Greek dips) or dolmades (rice wrapped in grape leaves). Standard souvlakis, such as pork, lamb, beef and chicken, are grilled to perfection and served with lemon-roasted potatoes and a Greek salad. Line-ups are long so make a reservation. Small patio.
The Red Violin
95 Danforth Avenue
(416) 465-0969
Cuisine Type: Greek
Hours: Closed Monday
Tuesday - Sunday: 5:00pm - 12:00am
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At this Brazilian barbecue, each diner is given a card that is red on one side and green on the other. Flip your card to green, and servers pile your plate with succulent pork, lamb, chicken, Picanha (that's Brazilian for rump cut) AAA beef, salmon and roasted pineapple. When your card is on the red side, it means you're stuffed or taking a break. A robust selection of fresh salads, seafood and charcuterie at the appetizer buffet precludes the main meal. The full monty is $30.00 on Tuesday and Wednesday, $50.00 with live entertainment on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
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